I spent seventh grade at a British international school in Jerusalem. My favoUrite coloUr is blue. My headmaster asked me my surname. In history class, I was learning about the contributions of the Roman Empire. In scripture, it was the gospels. I’m sure not in the American public school system anymore! Truth be told, I finally learned how to study.

The Sea of Galilee was even more eye-opening. My first stop was the synagogue at Capernaum. Current excavations were uncovering Roman roads. The tour guide was reading biblical passages about Jesus beginning his ministry. All of a sudden, new concepts from class were taking shape right before my eyes. I was a little shocked at first. I just stood there staring at the sites.

I do understand why Jesus moved to Galilee. The landscape is beautiful. Much more colorful than the Dead Sea and the Judean desert.

My father brought home a canteen that he filled at the Jordan River. Three years later my sister Sarah was born. She was baptized with different holy water.